Leonard John Grau Jr.

Jul 9, 1936 -

Jul 27, 2022

Leonard John Grau Jr., age 86, passed away on July 27, 2022. He is survived by his two children: son, Kurt Grau (Paula) and daughter, Gretchen Grau. Leonard was born in Palmer, Alaska, on July 9, 1936, to Leonard John Grau Sr. and Thelma (Cook) Grau. In 1940, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, and lived in the Fairview area. He attended University of Alaska for two years and transferred to Oregon State University where he received a degree in electrical engineering in 1959. Leonard then served six months active duty in the National Guard. While stationed in Coos Bay, Ore., he went on a weekend leave and met Marguerite Thomas in Salinas, Calif. They married on Jan. 22, 1960, in Reno, Nev. They raised two children, Kurt Thomas Grau and Gretchen Lenore Grau, and have two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Leonard began his career at the Federal Aviation Administration that year and retired 33 years later, only to continue the work with a private contractor. During that time he spent much time traveling around the state working for the FAA. In 2011, he retired, and he and Marguerite moved to Wasilla near the homestead where he lived as a child.

Leonard loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, berry picking and many family picnics. He could tell you about most of the plants and animals that you could find in the woods.

He was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska Igloo 15 in Anchorage and Igloo 31 in Palmer and the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska. While he lived in Anchorage he studied to be a Master Gardener and was a member of the Wildflower Garden Club and then The Valley Garden Club in Wasilla. One of the highlights of his year was during the Alaska State Fair, he was for many years on the panel of judges for berries. As a lifelong Alaskan he was always interested in the history of the valley and was a member of the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society and on the board of directors.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2022, at Farm Loop Christian Center, 5900 Farm Loop Road in Palmer.